Dry eye syndrome (keratoconjunctivitis sicca), is an ocular disease caused by the lack of tear fluid to lubricate the eyes, which leads to problems in vision, tear film instability, and discomfort causes potential damage to the ocular surface. Dry eye syndrome can also cause due to other ocular surface diseases such as ocular allergy and meibomian gland dysfunction. The ocular surface contains 7 components including lacrimal and accessory lacrimal apparatus. Any abnormalities in one of the ocular surface components may cause the dry eye syndrome. Dry eye syndrome is classified into two types namely, evaporative dry eye and pure aqueous deficiency dry eye. The common symptoms associated with dry eye syndrome include ocular irritation, hyperaemia, mucoid discharge, blurred vision, excessive tearing, ocular dryness, photophobia, and grittiness. Dry eye syndrome is measured by a thin strip of filter paper placed at the edge of the eye, called a Schirmer test to measure the amount of tears present in the eye.

The global dry eye syndrome treatment market is expected to grow at a significant CAGR due to rise in the geriatric population (tear glands weaken due to aging and can’t produce sufficient tear fluid to maintain a lubricating film over the eyes) and increase in the prevalence of dry eye syndrome. The increase in the prevalence of diabetes, vitamin A deficiency, lupus, thyroid disorders, and rheumatoid arthritis might fuel the dry eye syndrome treatment market. Moreover, increasing awareness among the population about diagnosis and treatment of dry eye syndrome, steady government support for medical research has allowed researchers to treat this condition more precisely and comprehensively, external stimuli such as laser eye surgery, and computer screen overuse are key factors also boosting the dry eye syndrome treatment market over the forecast period. However, expiration of blockbuster drug patents, the popularity of self-medication by patients is the major restraints for the dry eye syndrome treatment market over the forecast period.